About Dina Vardal
Dina Vardal is a retired law enforcement officer, military veteran, and proud mother. She grew up in a home influenced by Greek and Italian traditions in Joliet, Illinois. Her career includes over two decades in public service, working as a SWAT officer, firearms instructor, and helicopter mechanic with the National Guard. After retiring from the police department and military, she continued to give back as a substitute teacher and active volunteer in her community. She spends time traveling, especially to Greece, enjoys cooking traditional meals, and finds joy in maintaining her garden.
Early Life and Cultural Background
Dina was born and raised in Joliet. She is a Certified SWAT officer who was raised by immigrant parents who came from different parts of Europe. Her father was from the Greek island of Mykonos, and her mother came from Ferrara, Italy. They met in Joliet and made that their home.
Growing up, her family owned and operated a restaurant called Mykonos Gyros from 1982 to 1989. The restaurant was run by her mother, Danira and was a place where community members gathered and shared meals and stories. Her father, Denis established a business with his brother in Joliet in 1958. The business, Vardal Engineering is still owned and operated by family today.
Education
After finishing high school, Dina knew she wanted to work in public service. At the age of 17 she joined the Army National Guard and after her initial training, she began her college education at Joliet Junior College, earning an Associate in Applied Science degree focusing on Law Enforcement in 1990. That early degree helped her start a career focused on public safety and protection.
She continued her studies at Western Illinois University, graduating in 1992 with a major in Law Enforcement Administration and a minor in Accounting. While there, she became very involved in student life. She served as the President of the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration group and earned recognition for her grades, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Years later, even with a full-time job and family life, Dina returned to school and earned a Master’s in Organizational Development from Benedictine University in 2007.
A Career in Law Enforcement
Dina’s professional law enforcement career stretched over several cities and multiple roles. She became a certified SWAT officer, which required advanced physical and tactical preparation. She also served as a firearms instructor and taught concealed carry courses.
In addition to those responsibilities, she trained new officers, ensuring they were prepared for the real challenges they might face. Her ability to stay focused, stay calm under pressure, and teach others made her a dependable figure in her field.
Military Career
Alongside her work in law enforcement, Dina Vardal also served in the Army National Guard for 22 years. She was based at Midway Airport with the 106th Aviation Unit and worked as a helicopter mechanic. Her work included service on several different types of helicopters, including the OH-58, the UH-1H, the Blackhawk (UH-60), and the Chinook (CH-47).
Her skill and dependability earned her added responsibilities. She became a crew chief for a time and helped oversee other mechanics. She also served as her unit’s physical fitness coordinator, assisting fellow soldiers to maintain their health and meet physical standards. Beyond her mechanical duties, she created morale-building events such as military balls and holiday gatherings.
Her time in the military included tours in Panama and Germany. These trips helped her better understand other people and cultures while building friendships with people from all over the country and world.
Teaching and Mentoring
After retiring from law enforcement, Dina moved into a new phase of work as a substitute teacher for the New Lenox School District concentrating on grades 1-8. Working with children gave her a new sense of purpose. She brought her structure, reliability, and calm nature into the classroom.
Personal Interests and Traditions
Dina enjoys traveling, especially to Greece, which she visits every year. These trips help her stay connected to her heritage and give her time to recharge. She also enjoys scuba diving, which allows her to see new places and experience life differently.
At home, she loves gardening. It’s one of the ways she relaxes and stays close to nature. Her yard is full of flowers, vegetables, and plants she cares for throughout the year. Cooking is another big part of her life. Her Greek dishes, especially her cookies, are well-known among family and friends.
Dina also played tennis during college, both at Joliet Junior College and Western Illinois University. The sport helped her stay active and focused and gave her many great memories. She was also featured in her school newspaper and was always involved in campus life.
Giving Back to the Community
Dina has always believed in helping those who need support. She has volunteered with Meals on Wheels, delivering food and companionship to people who might otherwise be alone. She has supported the local food bank, the NAWS animal shelter, and events at her church, All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. Her belief in kindness and community service guides her actions, even in small everyday moments.
Family Life
In 2022, Dina Vardal married Noe DeLeon Jr. at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Joliet. Their wedding was a celebration of love, tradition, and new beginnings. Of all the roles Dina has held in life, being a mother is the one she treasures the most. Her daughter, Danira, was born in 2013 and has brought endless joy and meaning to her life. Dina says that Danira is the best thing that has ever happened to her.
